JJ Abrams’ blockbuster went on to become the third highest grossing film ever with $2.07bn in takings, still well behind Titanic and Avatar, which tops the chart with $2.79bn.

It remains to be seen whether Infinity War can reach such heights, but it looks certain to at least gatecrash the top five, with the huge Chinese market being made to wait until 11 May until they can see it.

Infinity War – which sees an all-star cast of heroes from Iron Man to Doctor Strange bid to take down the villainous Thanos – has already sailed past the total box office earnings of a number of comic book favourites, including Wonder Woman and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Image:Star Wars: The Last Jedi is among Disney’s billion-earners

Once it crosses $1bn, the Disney empire will be able to lay claim to exactly half of the 34 films to have reached the landmark figure.

Among the other billion-earners from the House of Mouse are Frozen, Toy Story 3, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and – most recently – Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Black Panther, which are both in the top 10.

Many are predicting Disney’s upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Incredibles 2 to also reach – or certainly come close to – the $1bn mark.